David Warner (95) and Marnus Labuschagne (95)* put Australia in a dominating position at the end of Day 1 of the second test at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia suffered an early jolt by losing Marcus Harris, caught brilliantly by Jos Buttler off Stuart Broad for 3.
Warner and Labuschagne added 172 runs for the second wicket before the former fell five run short of a well deserved hundred.
The 27 year old Labuschagne who was dropped twice by Buttler remained unbeaten on 95. Stand in skipper Steve Smith was giving him company on 18, as the hosts ended Day 1 at 221/2.
Stumps at the end of Day 1
Australia 1st innings 221/2- (Marnus Labuschagne 95*, David Warner 95 ),